What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor will talk to you about whether your child or you exhibits signs of ADHD. He or she might ask about your family background and health. They may also inquire about the schooling of your child. They will also talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scouts and religious leaders, and others who know them well.
Symptoms
If you or someone you know suspects they have ADHD the first step in obtaining an assessment is to locate a health care professional who has experience diagnosing the condition. Ask your family doctor to refer you to a doctor who is an expert in the field of mental health for children. The person who will conduct the assessment will start by talking to you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They might also inquire about your work, school, and social life. The examiner might ask you to see old report cards, performance evaluations at work or school, and other records.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include interviews with family members of the person as well as teachers and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will utilize various questionnaires and rating scales to assess the person's ADHD, including standardized testing used in school evaluations. You will be asked to provide examples on your behavior in different situations. They will consider your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD -- hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The evaluator will also check whether the person's ADHD interferes with their everyday functioning. They will also assess whether the symptoms are more severe than expected for their age and development level. They will evaluate the individual's issues with the experiences of others in similar situations, such as their peers in school or on a sports team.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person must have a significant number of symptoms from both the inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity sections of the criteria. The symptoms must also have led to significant impairments in at least two areas of their lives. For children, this could usually mean problems in their school work as well as their relationships with parents and siblings. Adults could lose their jobs if they have trouble paying attention or keeping track of bills and paperwork.
The evaluator can also talk to those who are acquainted with the person, for example, friends and family members or scout leaders from religious or scout groups. They will want to hear about how the person acts in various situations as well as how they behave at home and at other places other than work or school.
Diagnosis
To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to have a minimum of 6 characteristics (symptoms) that started before age 12. You must also be suffering from these symptoms ongoingly for at least six months. The symptoms must also become hindering you from functioning well at school, work or at home. The symptoms aren't caused by a mental health disorder. Your GP can refer you to an expert for an assessment. You can download a supportive letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, or print quotes from NICE 87's guideline to provide the reasons why you should undergo an assessment.
Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They will also ask you about your family, social and educational background. They might request your school records from the past and interview teachers and other people who knew you as a kid. The evaluator may try to rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms and suggest you undergo neuropsychological tests or diagnostic tests.
A thorough assessment can take several hours. what is an adhd assessment need more than one visit with their doctor to complete the procedure. The evaluator may discuss the results and suggest possible treatments with you.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The inattentive form of ADHD is characterized by difficulty paying attention and staying focused and also by forgetfulness or a lack of organizational skills. People with the hyperactive/impulsive type are restless and fidgety, often interrupt conversations or activities, have a hard time waiting for their turn, and may use other people's things without permission.
A few adults with ADHD are unable to comprehend how their symptoms affect their lives and relationships. This can lead to strained or dissolved marriages, financial difficulties and problems with parenting. During the assessment, a clinician may speak with the ADHD person as well as their partner or spouse to determine how their issues influence the relationship. You may be asked to fill out checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD usually involves an interview with the person being evaluated and their caregivers, completion of questionnaires or rating scales that compare the behavior of those with ADHD to those of people who do not have it, as well as standardized testing. In the case of children, the examiner may also look at their reports and ask for teachers to complete questionnaires.
People who suffer from ADHD should be prepared to discuss how their symptoms affect their work as well as home and social life. They should expect to be asked questions such as how often they interrupt others and how easily they lose things and how often they are unable to keep up on their tasks. The evaluator will want to know whether these signs are present for all time, or if they started in the early years of childhood (technically prior to age 12).
A person must experience significant issues in two or more of the following areas to be classified with ADHD such as school and work family relationships or social interactions. Examples of this impairment are getting fired from a job, not passing a class or not making payments on time. Mild ADHD symptoms can cause issues, but they are not major disruptions.
Stress and physical ailments can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the person's mood, their medical history, and other factors to rule out these possibilities.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most popular treatments for ADHD. It assists people in developing better coping skills and learn how to manage their symptoms. It can include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches how to change negative thinking into positive thoughts. It can also help reduce the effects of underlying conditions and mental health issues like depression or substance abuse.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from couples or marital therapy. It can help them comprehend their partner's viewpoint and improve communication. It can also assist their partner to understand how to support them and cope with the challenges of living with someone with ADHD.
Medication
Medications can help with the inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are hallmarks of ADHD. They are often prescribed in conjunction with therapy and skill-training which can reduce symptoms and help people function better at work, school at home, or in their leisure activities. Medication is not a panacea and patients must work with their physician to understand the best way to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few times to find the ideal combination of medications and dosages but it is crucial to keep in mind that there are a variety of options.
An experienced specialist will interview the child, parent or adult about their experiences with ADHD, paying special focus on the behavior that occurs in a variety of environments, such as at school and at home. They will also examine the person's educational and occupational history and ask questions about their family life. They typically request performance evaluations from the workplace or old report cards and will want to speak to the person's teachers.
Keep in mind that for someone to be diagnosed with ADHD their symptoms must have begun in the earliest years of their life (technically before the age of 12). So, while an expert will only speak about current symptoms when conducting an assessment for diagnosis however, they may have to talk with other people who knew the child, and could even speak with the person's parents or teachers.
Medication to treat ADHD typically includes stimulants, which appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are available in various forms like liquids, tablets, and patches. They can trigger side effects such as difficulty sleeping, agitation and loss of appetite. However, they are generally safe if used according to the doctor's prescription. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, are also used to treat ADHD. They tend to be slower-working and have less side effects, however they are not suitable for everyone.
The most effective treatment for ADHD symptoms is a combination of medications, behavior therapy, and behavioral changes. It's not uncommon for adults and children to take various medications and alter them as their needs change or when they experience significant changes in their lives.